Ensemble Works I

Cologne-based composer Marcus Antonius Wesselmann (born in Germany's Ruhr district in 1965), has, according to one critic, shot from zero to 60 with a concert program partly documented in this CD. Since his emergence, he has fully established himself in the contemporary musical landscape. Neos inaugurates it's series wholly dedicated to his work with this CD. Ensemble Works I features furious interpretations of four refreshingly non-academic ensemble works in typical instrumental jazz line-ups, interpreted by the internationally outstanding Ensemble Modern conducted by Franck Ollu. Wesselmann's music combines elements of minimal music with strict constructions, and an exuberant playfulness with virtually transcendent virtuosity. Founded in 1980 and based in Frankfurt am Main since 1985, the Ensemble Modern is one of the world's leading ensembles for contemporary music. At the time of this release, the ensemble unites 19 soloists from eight countries, all of whom contribute to the ensemble's rich cultural background. The Ensemble Modern is famous for it's unique organizational structure, unlike any other in the world: there is no artistic director and all of it's members are responsible for jointly selecting and implementing projects, co-productions, and financial matters.